‘Women Don't Owe You Pretty’ by Florence Given.
What’s it about:
A funkily illustrated guide on being a boundaried and well woman in this wild modern time. There are 21 short chapters on fundamental topics on how to protect your energy, how to navigate dating and being your own self-advocate. Expect to fall for Florence Given and become obsessed with her Instagram content and podcast, Exactly.
What Lynn learned:
Life is easier when we make an effort to be pretty and tie into societal norms of femininity. This wasn’t new to me, but I needed to be reminded of this and rethink a few things for myself….
Again knew this already but worth a reminder…. Social media is designed to be addictive and we are trained to need instant gratification more and more.
There’s a great list of self check-in questions, e.g. ‘Do I have the capacity to help out this friend right now’ and ‘what am I putting off right now’.
Fave quotes:
‘remember that anyone who tells you you’re “too” anything is using the word because they are threatened by your capacity to grow, evolve and express your emotions.’
‘Temporary discomfort is an investment in your future self. Accept a small and uncomfortable transition now, for a lifetime of growth and self-development’
‘Stop breaking yourself down into bite-sized pieces. Stay whole and let them choke’
‘You are not a source of energy for others to take. This is your table, you set the standards and you choose who gets a seat. Start turning away people who have the audacity to show up in your life with crumbs, because crumbs can’t feed you. Find someone who brings you a whole cake.’
‘Promise yourself to stop buying into people’s potential. You’re not a start-up investor.’
Why relevant right now:
Challenging the patriarchy and having healthy self-love and boundaries are always in vogue.
Interest factor: 5/5
Coffee table cred: 4/5
Ignorance of external world while reading: 3/5
Book cover design: 5/5
Help the existential crisis: 3.5/5
